Tutorials: Philosophies and Features Karrie Peterson, NCSU karrie_peterson@ncsu.edu Presentation content Will cover: * Pedagogical principles * Examples of features * Compare to wizards * Possible collaborations? Won't cover: * "How to" instructions * Software or technology * Comprehensive survey of govt docs tutorials * Online vs real time teaching Narrow definition of "Tutorial" * Outcome involves learning a new skill or concepts * Guided step by step explanation * Modular approach * Interactive * Dynamic (animations to "show" not just tell) Focus on the User "To be educated is not to be informed, but to find illumination in informed living." Eduard Lindeman, from The Meaning of Adult Education (1926) Pedagogical Principles What are the characteristics of a good online tutorial? Pedagogical Principles * Culturally inclusive * Objectives and outcomes outlined * Provide context (why) * Problem-based (or assignment-based) and teach concepts as well as skills * Stimulate recall of prior learning * Accommodate different learning styles via multimedia * Allow for non-linear learning (modular) * Simple and self-evident navigation * Elicit performance (allow practice) More pedagogical principles... * Provide feedback - allow the user to test his understanding * Enhance retention * Provide a way to contact a librarian or other real-time helper * Function well for target audience * Be routinely updated by the provider * Have mechanisms built in for the provider to evaluate effectiveness of the tutorial over time A well-mannered tutorial * Is welcoming and approachable * Doesn't waste people's time * Doesn't bore or intimidate people * Impresses users by the speed with which their problem is solved, not the complexity of the tutorial * Doesn't give outdated information Some advantages of online tutorials . . . * Remote & 24/7 access * Accommodate different learning styles via multimedia * Repeatable * Individually paced * Sometimes more interactive * Accommodate different levels of prior knowledge Virtual or Real Time... All teaching involves some tradeoffs Those pesky tradeoffs... ...more tradeoffs What type of teaching device do you want? * Drill and Practice * Simulation * Step-by-step tutorial * Skill-based or conceptual or both Who is the audience? * Older or younger people? * Students with specific assignment or members of public with research needs? * Local users in familiar context or wide open to the public? * What levels of prior knowledge? * What time frame-leisurely self-education or quick study with quick results? URLS URLS Elements of LOBO * Qarbon Viewlet Builder makes a shockwave flash file that is readable in most browsers * Worksheet is built using cookies and is not retained when the browser closes. * Chat is staffed until midnight 4 nights a week. * Passive viewlet demo, guided search, or simulation are all available Caution! Tutorials tied to database interfaces are very time-intensive to maintain! WIZARDS What is a Wizard and how could it be useful? Why use a wizard? A guide would be too complex * Array of choices to make * Complex assortment of resources Tutorials require investment * Not trying to build step-by-step skills * No captive audience One Possible use.... GIS DATA * User has specific format, date and geography requirements * Complex array of available data with various restrictions * Users may need data features explained * Frequent request I need orthophoto data: • 1990-2000 data • Wake County, NC • A certain projection type • Available online immediately • NCSU affiliate Upkeep Issues * External links are persistent object identifiers Legislative History Wizard * Resources have varied access points * Resources provide different types of information * Dates matter * What your institution owns or can access matters A Legislative History Wizard What the user might know: * PL # or Bill # and Congress # * Common or proper name What the user might want: Background reports, roll call votes, hearing testimony, bill text, floor debate, signing statements, etc. Govt Information Tutorials and Wizards What are our opportunities for collaboration? Some possibilities... * Finding longitudinal census data for small geographies * Training our docs assistants * Training new librarians in a combined depts situation * Or...?